Testers and owners confirm that the Shiv TT is a very, very fast bike.
Owners describe the Shiv TT’s build, workmanship, and finish as “super high quality” and “the best possible”.
At 16.76 lb complete, the Shiv TT is very lightweight for a disc-brake bike.
Time-triallers believe the Shiv TT’s high price is warranted by its superior build quality and low weight.
Handling is complimented by all reviewers and owners.
All reviewers are entranced by the Shiv TT’s sexy, fast & mean aesthetic.
Testers praise the Shiv TT’s ‘head-down, butt-up’, aero-friendly ride position.
Owners say they are comfortable riding the Shiv TT for several hours at a time.
Testers laud the comfort of the Shiv TT’s integrated aerobar and arm rests.
Angled shims allow riders to adjust the angle of the Shiv TT’s aerobar.
Experts say the Shiv does not mute road-feel, but is favorably reactive.
Roval CLX 64 Disc wheels are light, fast and come tubeless-ready.
The Shiv TT has clearance for 28 mm tyres.
An owner/reviewer describes SRAM S-900 Aero HRD brakes as “strong”, “powerful” and “well-modulated.”
Stock 140 mm disc rotors performed admirably for testers.
The Shiv TT sheds weight and complication via a fully wireless design.
The Shiv TT fits a common road standard, 68mm, threaded bottom bracket.
The Shiv TT can be set up with either a 1x or 2x drivetrain.
An owner gives the Shiv TT “10/10 for ease of assembly”.

6 reasons not to buy

Reviewers feel SRAM’s eTap ‘blip box’ may compromise aerodynamics at the Shiv TT’s headtube.
An owner says the Shiv TT’s handlebar extensions don’t offer an ideal hand position.
One reviewer disliked the prominence of brake blip boxes and saw the Shiv TT’s bar-end brakes as less aero.
Many S-Works bikes come fit with a ceramic bottom bracket. The Shiv TT does not.
A time-trialler says the stock 48t Quarq chainring is undersized.
One owner said the Shiv TT’s gearing can leave them spinning-out around 40 mph.

Bottom line

Specialized built the S-Works Shiv TT Disc to be the finest time trial bike they can conceive of. Testers and owners say it’s lightning-fast and feather light (especially for a disc brake bike), but that it also handles well and remains comfortable after hours of riding. Criticisms are minimal but focus on details such as less-aero blip boxes and a modestly-toothed chainring. An owner and expert time-trialler says this bike is “purely designed for time-trialing” and that its geometry and lack of storage solutions make it unsuitable for use as a triathlon rig.
The Shiv TT is built for one purpose: to go fast.

By Owen Jesse

Expert Reviews

93/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews

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Ronald Kuba

Level 1 expert

S-Works Shiv TT : Full Review

Level 1 expert

It’s super-fast. If you can have aero and light weight… that’s the best of both worlds – and this is exactly what you’re getting here. A super-easy bike to build and live with. It’s something else. Getting this for a time trial bike: excellent idea. Getting this as a triathlon bike: very poor idea.

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Daryl Sean Chan

Level 1 expert

S-Works Shiv TT Disc: A Brutally Honest Review on the Build
[Bikes of the Bunch]

Level 1 expert

It’s really for pure racing, so individual time trials, team time trials… it’s going to be hardcore, just go as fast as you can. For the frame I’d actually say this is basically like the Venge but on massive steroids which is super cool!

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Tomas Åström

Level 1 expert

Specialized Shiv TT – Review [Swedish]

Level 1 expert

I chose to buy ‘the best’ possible. Straight ahead, the Shiv TT is probably not faster than my Canyon, but in technical parts, starting and stopping and uphill, I feel that my new Shiv is better. But the most important thing is that it’s more fun… In some situations I spin out, when I’m going like 63 km/h (39.15mph).

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That Triathlon Life

Level 1 expert

Paula’s NEW Shiv TT + Workout for TT National Champs

Level 1 expert

The Shiv TT rides a lot more like a road bike… it feels lighter, more responsive. The triathlon Shiv is really meant for having all of this integrated storage and hydration which you don’t really need on this time trial bike. The acceleration on that bike is a little bit more lethargic.

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